Versace Men's A/W12, a winner as always

Versace have created yet another show stopping, over the top, beautiful collection this A/W 2012. I have collected a few of the many looks to give my thoughts and opinions on. The use of patterns with contrasting colours and fabrics seems to be a big trend for Versace this season. They have used many vibrant colours to make a jaw dropping collection. There are many pieces with contrasting patterns and clashing colours but it works so well in the collection and gives true dimension to every single piece

This look is genius. Versace have used to colour blue throughout to ensure each piece fits with the next, and the use of contrasting pattern doesn't clash at all, it simply compliments the other. The satin type material of the suit makes for a classy clean look paired with the new trend of army style pattern t-shirt.

This look I absolutely love, the black throughout the boots, trousers and leather jacket is topped off with a vibrant red to add a pop of colour. Also the use of the pattern in the black trousers ensures not all attention is on the red fur. I would kill for this outfit!

This look is quite classical and not as 'out there' as Versace's other looks, this is another favourite for the use of the same colour in a different shade, I can't recall any other designer ever doing it quite as well as Versace. The red suit looks amazing with the salmon colour roll neck; which is another MUST this A/W. The small detail of the pin on the lapel of the blazer and the pocket square adds a touch of class

Where do I start with this one!? It is genius! I must say I don't think I've ever seen such an unusual yet beautiful colour in a suit. A kind of khaki/green colour paired with the luminous yellow works wonders. On paper it would sound disastrous but in the flesh it is a total fashion triumph.The dog tags, pin and boots give the look a casual edge.

Once again I have saved the very best till last! This suit is gorgeous, and even though you cannot see much of it, let me tell you, that shirt is to die for. The velvety fabric of the suit and the satin type lapels catch the light to give a wonderful look to this outfit. The shirt finishes it off effortlessly, the sparkly gems in all different colours put together to create a pattern we haven't seen before with the plain black collar and middle makes this an absolute gem (pardon the pun)

I wish I could tell Donatella Versace how inspiring her designs are, her last collection even inspired H&M the high-street brand, to have a collection from the fashion guru herself. Versace's designs are always totally unique and refreshing to see. Well done, yet again!

Hermés Birkin, for men?

Now, if you have any interest in fashion you will know exactly what an Hermés Birkin is, if you don't you should be slapping yourself repeatedly right now! I myself do own an Hermés Birkin, the one pictured above and yes I am a guy. Before I am judged by the fashionista's out there I want to just reiterate that fashion is an expression of oneself, it is a tool we can all use to express and project an image upon others, we all; whether conscious or not, make decisions as to what we want to wear on any given day, this process is our brains choosing what we think we will look best in, and that IS fashion. Fashion isn't only about the most recent trends and what's on the catwalk this season, okay I agree it is MOSTLY about that but not all. It is any fashion lovers right to wear whatever they chose.

Anyway, not onto the all famous HERMÉS BIRKIN! *big grin*

The Hermés Birkin is the holy grail of designer bags, it is ridiculously expensive but totally worth it. You can fortunately now buy amazing replica's for more reasonable prices, the replica market is booming at the moment (I will do a full post on replica sites that I have tried, tested and trust). However, the point of this post is to address any guys hold ups when it comes to designer bags, or ''feminine'' clothing/accessories. I want to grab any guy out there with fears when it comes to fashion, shake them into full fashion consciousness by shouting at them ''IT'S OKAY MATE, WEAR WHAT YOU WANT'' but obviously it would be pretty impossible to do so. So my only hope is to blog about it! These guys can pull off the Birkin, so why can't you? Yes...YOU

Giorgio Richie with his black 40cm birkin with silver hardware. B-E-Autiful!!

Gold birkin 40cm silver hardware.

40cm birkin black with Silver hardware

I love this look, classy, casual and BIRKINAFIED

This is another great looks. 40cm birkin Etoupe with silver hardware

One of my favourite birkins. 40cm crocodile skin blue with silver hardware

Now guys all I will say is stick to non in-your-face colours. There is NOTHING wrong with having a colourful birkin if your a guy, just make sure you can make it work. Black, Etoupe and Gold would be your best bet in my opinion. Thanks for reading and go get your birkin!!!

Zara AW12, the one to watch!

Zara, autumn/winter 2012 collection has got to be one of my favourites so far. So many classical pieces paired with fresh off the drawing board trends. I could quite literally purchase every piece and be able to wear it with confidence and joy! Every piece is classy, clean and crisp with not a stitch out of place!

This is just one of the amazing outfits put together by Zara. The contrasting colours yet duplication of material makes for an amazingly fresh, smart but also casual look. The navy blazer paired with the charcoal trousers isn't a new combination, this is a tried, tested and approved colour combination, but when put with a black wide neck sweater, white shirt and blue tie this creates a totally new feeling look. Lets just say if I saw someone walking through High Holborn wearing this, undoubtedly it would turn my head.

This look is one that has incorporated the recent Gothic trend of which so many designers have unleashed onto the catwalk this A/W 2012. It is an outfit with one dominating colour thrown in with different fabrics, textures and pieces of clothing. The black blazer has a genius grosgrain ribbon lapel giving a contrasting texture to the detailing. The trousers are with a side stripe which also looks as though it is grosgrain ribbon which gives a tiny touch of classy, clean detail. Another genius idea was the pairing of a very low necked t-shirt with a black and white printed foulard to give a smidgen of colour to the look also to create dimension within the outfit. Only one way I can describe this...classic meets clever.

This look really needs no description. Its a total favourite of any fashion forward guy who is suited and booted for a living! The dull navy colour gives a slight brightening to the look without being OTT paired with a pocket square to match the colouring of the suit and a classic white shirt...timeless.

This look see's another classical piece (the winter coat) paired with a completely new upcoming trend for menswear...FUR!! I have been long awaiting the day that high-street fashion takes note from the big fashion bloggers such as; Brian Boy or Giorgio Richie, and uses fur in their designs. The way Zara have used the same colour throughout the coat means there is no in-your-face details to the piece, just pure class. The burgundy trousers are the only colour in this look, which in my opinion balances out the attention on each piece, for example not all the attention is on the fur, although I mean come on... Us guys can wear fur too!

I cannot begin to explain to you how head over heels in love I am with this studded portfolio!! It is a totally new piece we have not seen anywhere in high-street menswear before. Being the fashion obsessed guy I am, I can't help but want to call it a clutch bag, but that would be too feminine for us fashion forward guys out there. The studs are HOT this season and can be seen everywhere you look. I also love the outfit Zara has chosen to picture this gorgeous studded portfolio with, the grey trousers and blazer both with contrasting stripes or lapels to again create dimension.

I have certainly saved the best till last, this is my absolute favourite look from Zara's AW2012 menswear collection. They have really upped their game with the combination of total old time classics; such as the biker jacket and moccasin, with completely new touches; such as the skinny jean and foulard. This look is so casual yet has such clean lines. The jeans with a red stripe gives a touch of Gucci to any budgeted guys wardrobe (which is most of us right?). Also the biker jacket is a classic piece but Zara have chosen to use Pekary to give a new feel to this all time favourite jacket. The moccasin has been around for years but has just recently come up with all guns blazing onto the catwalk this season, I think they give a smart but laid back look. The foulard is probably my favourite piece from this outfit, it is another new; also quite feminine trend for men, scarves have always been a must for A/W but Zara have incorporated a sort of Alexander McQueen/Hermés feel to their foulards which I love.

Just to sum up, this Autumn/Winter seasons must have pieces definitely have to include items from Zara's amazing collection. Classics meet must haves...what more could a man want?